When I first visited this forum two years ago, I found it largely frequented by genetic males who (for whatever reason) were seeking natural breast development. Some were also dealing with varying degrees of gender dysphoria. Very few, however, were in serious transition or had any intention to start serious transition. At least that is how it seemed to me.
I found real help here. Help I couldn't get in other TS/TG forums that universally rejected the notion that a genetic male with gender dysphoria could successfully deal with the issue in any way other than full transition (with prescription pharma HRT).
In the last few months things seem to have changed here. While I'm in no way criticizing or seeking to demean those that have chosen transition, I feel that in some ways those of us who have not are being marginalized or excluded. I'm not pointing fingers nor do I intend to point to any examples -- it's just a feeling I get as I read through the various posts.
So here's my position. My gender dysphoria is very real. Before I started using PM I was intensely interested in feminizing my body to the point where I couldn't possibly hide it, even though I knew that there would be substantial consequences I would have to deal with. Within weeks after starting PM that desire started diminishing -- to the point where I am quite happy to continue to present as male. I know that the PM continues to feminize me, but I also know that there is a definite limit to that progress and I will always be able to present as male, even if I have to make a definitive effort (much as a FTM transsexual would).
I believe that I was androgen-starved during gestation, and that my brain is essentially "female" in pattern, and hence craves estrogen over testosterone. Testosterone, in fact, is toxic to me at normal male levels and causes the dysphoria to accelerate (and also drives a lot of other over-sexed and undesirable behavior in me). When I take PM, my brain gets the estrogen it craves and I become a *much* better person.
The fact that my dysphoria greatly diminishes while taking PM supports this hypothesis (for my specific case). I guess what I hope to present is that not everyone is going to be unhappy if they don't ultimately transition, and that the GD can be successfully managed in at least some individuals. If I had discovered this forum today that's not the viewpoint I would take away from the discussion. I think that's unfortunate because I am sure there are lurkers here who could benefit from the alternative perspective.
Again, it's not my intention to criticize those who are actively seeking transition and I believe it is healthy and positive for those going down that path to opening discuss the issues they face on this forum. I also believe that for some, myself included, transition is not the best answer.
Hopefully I'm not opening Pandora's box. If those on this forum feel I'm out of line or am in any way hurtful to others here I will sincerely apologize and withdraw from the discussion.
Misty
I found real help here. Help I couldn't get in other TS/TG forums that universally rejected the notion that a genetic male with gender dysphoria could successfully deal with the issue in any way other than full transition (with prescription pharma HRT).
In the last few months things seem to have changed here. While I'm in no way criticizing or seeking to demean those that have chosen transition, I feel that in some ways those of us who have not are being marginalized or excluded. I'm not pointing fingers nor do I intend to point to any examples -- it's just a feeling I get as I read through the various posts.
So here's my position. My gender dysphoria is very real. Before I started using PM I was intensely interested in feminizing my body to the point where I couldn't possibly hide it, even though I knew that there would be substantial consequences I would have to deal with. Within weeks after starting PM that desire started diminishing -- to the point where I am quite happy to continue to present as male. I know that the PM continues to feminize me, but I also know that there is a definite limit to that progress and I will always be able to present as male, even if I have to make a definitive effort (much as a FTM transsexual would).
I believe that I was androgen-starved during gestation, and that my brain is essentially "female" in pattern, and hence craves estrogen over testosterone. Testosterone, in fact, is toxic to me at normal male levels and causes the dysphoria to accelerate (and also drives a lot of other over-sexed and undesirable behavior in me). When I take PM, my brain gets the estrogen it craves and I become a *much* better person.
The fact that my dysphoria greatly diminishes while taking PM supports this hypothesis (for my specific case). I guess what I hope to present is that not everyone is going to be unhappy if they don't ultimately transition, and that the GD can be successfully managed in at least some individuals. If I had discovered this forum today that's not the viewpoint I would take away from the discussion. I think that's unfortunate because I am sure there are lurkers here who could benefit from the alternative perspective.
Again, it's not my intention to criticize those who are actively seeking transition and I believe it is healthy and positive for those going down that path to opening discuss the issues they face on this forum. I also believe that for some, myself included, transition is not the best answer.
Hopefully I'm not opening Pandora's box. If those on this forum feel I'm out of line or am in any way hurtful to others here I will sincerely apologize and withdraw from the discussion.
Misty